A North Shore Equestrian
Child Experience
Pony Camps
By Maria Orlando Pietromonaco
Looking for something different in summer camps way to teach them values, a work ethic, and the posi-
this year? Maybe a little twist on the old arts and tive feeling derived from tending to another living
crafts and sprinklers? I’ll bet you never thought being.
of pony camp. That’s probably because in the past Bill Uhilnger of the Nassau Suffolk Horsemen’s
horseback riding lessons were part of the elitist Association agrees that pony camps are important to
culture, an activity that the mainstream did not lure young people to the love of horses. He believes
partake in. But that’s the beauty of pony camp. It is a not enough children on Long Island are familiar with
wonderful, attainable way to bring the equine world horses, a culture that is so predominant on in our
into your child’s circle of experience. area. “I wish there were more pony camps around,”
Developing a respect and love for horses can add an said Bill. “They are a great, affordable way to intro-
enchanting dimension to your child’s growth, and duce children to riding.”
exposing them to horses at a young age is advanta- Pony Camps are designed for novices and experi-
geous for many reasons. enced alike, with programs that introduce beginners
Children are intrinsically attracted to animals. to horsemanship and instruction tailored to sharpen
Stuffed animals are usually a baby’s first toy. After riding skills. Although prices vary greatly depending
that, children grow up wanting pets in the worst way, on how often your child goes and which camp you
and are excited to visit zoos, farms and aquariums. choose, for as little as a couple of hundred dollars a
Most children declare that they want to veterinarians week your child can experience horse culture.
when they grow up. There is an inherent connection “Pony camp is a kind of summer day-camp for
between animals and children, so imagine spending children to learn the basics about horses and horse-
a summer so close to a giant, furry horse? It’s not back riding,” explains Shanna Franklin. Shanna is the
something they would normally get to do, and most barn manager at the Nassau Equestrian Center. She
have only seen horses in picture books or behind has been riding and showing for 16 years. “The
fences, untouchable. It would be truly magical and children learn to be safe around horses, the differ-
awe-inspiring. ent colors and breeds, how to measure the size of a
Being around horses and learning to ride at a horse or pony, how to groom, the different tack and
young age, as with anything else including ski- it’s uses, the basics of riding, and how to take care
ing or speaking a new language, is key. Children of horses…or ponies.”
are generally eager to attempt new things, are So why bother with horses this summer? “Pony
not scarred by too many past fears, and have not camp is so beneficial for so many reasons,” says
developed any bad habits. Shanna. “The children get to spend time with other
There is a health benefit as well. We are always children in their age group and make (new) friends.
trying to find new and creative ways to keep our They get to learn all about horses and prepare for
children moving. Well, horseback riding happens taking riding lessons, and since it’s an intensified
to be excellent physical exercise. Your children course, they learn more in a shorter amount of
will be doing something really good for their time. It also teaches children responsibility and
bodies without even realizing it – because they’ll work ethic, since working with horses is hard work
be having a blast! In addition, it’s an activity that – even though it’s a lot of fun.”
keeps them bonded with nature in an outdoor set- Nancy Thomas, the owner of The Thomas School
ting. of Horsemanship, captures it all when she writes:
Taking care of a horse is a huge responsibil- The gifts that horses have to offer:
ity (my daughter hardly remembers to feed her • Caring for a horse creates a sense of Responsibil-
fish). Grooming, feeding, and tending to a horse ity
involves commitment and hard work. It’s a perfect • Interacting with a living being teaches Respect

Northshoerian JuneJuly 2009.indd36 36 6/16/2009 1:21:06 PM
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